The Judicial Nominating Commission on Wednesday chose the 56-year-old Rush over three colleagues to succeed Brent Dickson at the court’s helm. Dickson announced in June that he would step down as chief justice but remain an associate justice.

Dickson faces mandatory retirement when he turns 75 in 2016.

Rush is a former Tippecanoe County judge and was appointed to the high court by former Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2012. She is the first woman to serve on the court since Myra Selby stepped down in 1999 after five years on the bench.

Pence says the nominating panel has made history and ensured strong leadership in the years ahead.